Hospital leaders are short on time and have a nonstop stream of information coming at them at lightning speed everyday. Yet, when they are able to find the time, most say they are eager to dig back into the book sitting on their nightstands to gain new perspectives and new fodder for personal and professional growth.
Becker's asked six hospital leaders to share what they are currently reading and would recommend to others.
Editor's note: The following responses were edited for clarity and brevity.
Question: What book would you recommend to colleagues in leadership?
Chanda Chacón. President and CEO of Children's Hospital & Medical Center (Omaha, Neb.): The Next Normal by Greg Giuliano. This book talks about creating the future we want versus waiting for it to happen. He talks about change not being a disruption in our pattern but that it's part of the pattern. It's not a bug in the system; it's a feature.
Also, he reflects on leadership being a choice and it takes courage to create something new. This aligns with my leadership definition and my values.
Michael Dowling. CEO of Northwell Health (New Hyde Park, N.Y.): The answer to that question changes every day. Recently, I've read Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made by David Gergen, The Exceptions by Kate Zernike, Unlikely Heroes: Franklin Roosevelt, His Four Lieutenants, and the World They Made by Derek Leebaert and The Yellow Pad: Making Better Decisions in an Uncertain World by Robert Rubin. I read so many books and enjoy sharing book lists with my team on a regular basis.
Lou Fragoso. CEO at Children's Hospital New Orleans: I've been inspired by David Goggins' memoir Can't Hurt Me.
Warren Geller. President and CEO of Englewood (N.J.) Health: Longevity...Simplified: Living A Longer, Healthier Life Shouldn't Be Complicated by Howard Luks, MD.
Jonathan Schiller. President and CEO of Garnet Health (Middletown, N.Y.): I recently started reading Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change Our World by Sarah DiGregorio.
Danielle McCamey DNP. Assistant Dean of Clinical Practice and Relationships at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (Baltimore): Roving Leadership: Breaking through the Boundaries by Dr. Salvatore Tagliareni and Dr. Janice Brewington